Since Gov. Jerry Brown asked lawmakers to extend California’s cap-and-trade program, a broad cross-section of state policies on climate change are coming under the microscope.
One of the most controversial issues is carbon offsets, which are environmentally friendly projects that polluters can financially support to meet requirements to slash greenhouse gas emissions.
Offsets have long been opposed by environmental justice advocates, who view them as an escape hatch for companies to avoid directly reducing their own emissions. But now that the advocates have gained political strength in the Capitol, they might be able to limit the program during this year’s debate.
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